Varanasi Air Show and PM Visit: Your 22–25 October Planner
A day-by-day planner for 22–25 October: the IAF display over the Ganga, the Prime Minister's visit, where to watch, getting around and what is closed.
7 min read
Four big days are coming up on the Varanasi riverfront. The Indian Air Force flies its first-ever display over the Ganga on Thursday 22, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in the city on 24–25 October. This planner sets out each day, where you can watch, how to get around, and what is closed or banned. For what flies, see our Wings Over Ganges guide.
At a glance
Day by day
Everything below comes from reports published up to 21 October. The Air Force and the district administration will confirm final timings, so check their official accounts the evening before.
| Day | What is planned | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Wed 21 Oct | Full dress rehearsal over the river, reported for about 11 am to 2 pm. | Expect river and bridge stoppages while aircraft are flying. |
| Thu 22 Oct | Opening display. | The Air Force has said this day and Saturday will be less crowded than Sunday. |
| Fri 23 Oct | No display is scheduled. | A quieter day for darshan, ghat walks and errands. The drone, kite and boat rules still apply. |
| Sat 24 Oct | Second display. The Prime Minister's two-day visit is expected to begin. | Expect VIP movement and short road holds on top of the show-day diversions. |
| Sun 25 Oct | Closing and main display, which the Prime Minister and senior leaders are expected to watch from Namo Ghat. The Prime Minister is also expected to open a new textile unit and travel on to Kedarnath. | The busiest day. Arrive early, or watch the live stream. |
The flying is reported for around midday, roughly 12 noon to 2 pm, in a window of about 90 minutes.
The Prime Minister's programme
According to reports on 21 October, the Prime Minister will spend 24–25 October in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, before going on to Uttarakhand. One report gives the 25th as his arrival day, so treat the exact timing as provisional.
The air show finale
He is expected at Namo Ghat for the 25 October display, along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Reports also name Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Governor Anandiben Patel.
A new textile unit
He is expected to open a factory in the Sevapuri area. Separate reports name an Arvind textile unit at Mirzamurad, on NH-19, with an investment of about ₹100–150 crore and more than 1,000 jobs.
City development programmes
He is also expected to attend programmes on the city's development. The full list has not been announced.
On to Kedarnath
On 25 October he is expected to review progress on the Kedarnath corridor in Uttarakhand.
Where to watch
Namo Ghat itself has been under Air Force control since 16 October. It holds enclosures for invited guests, so the public will watch from along the river.
City-side ghats
The ghats between Rajghat and Assi Ghat. The flight path runs from Namo Ghat south towards Assi, past Dashashwamedh.
The far bank
Open ground and the riverbank between Domri and Ramnagar, on the Chandauli side.
Viewing enclosures
Reports describe about 500 enclosures, each holding about 4,000 people.
The live stream
Each display is to be streamed in full on Air Force and government channels.
Getting around, and what is closed
- Four traffic plans: police have prepared separate plans for routes inside the city and for traffic coming in from outside, with barricades and diversions.
- One-way at the ghats: each ghat has separate entry and exit routes, and signboards run from Namo Ghat to Samne Ghat.
- Parking for city residents: use the parking and viewing points on the city side of the river.
- Visitors from other districts: you are directed to parking in the Ramnagar–Padav area.
- Allow extra time: plan on about double the usual time for trips into the old city, and use stations and bus stands early in the day.
The rules for these days
The formations, named after Kashi
A running order published on 21 October gives most of the display's formations the names of the city's rivers, ghats and deities. The order may still change.
Kashi
The opener: three Kiran jets in a V, trailing the tricolour over the Ganga.
Varuna
Named after the river that, with the Assi, gives Varanasi its name. Three ALH helicopters, with troops sliding down ropes.
Kedar
After Kedar Ghat and the Kedareshwar temple. A single Rafale flying low-level aerobatics.
Sarnath
After the place, 10 km away, where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Flown by the vintage Harvard trainer.
Ganga
Three Chetak helicopters showering flowers on the river.
Bhairav, Trilochan, Mahadev
Names of Shiva and of Kashi's guardian. These are transport, early-warning and tanker aircraft, each flying with fighters.
Bhagirathi and Alaknanda
The two Himalayan headstreams of the Ganga. The attack helicopters, the Chinooks and the ALH Mk IV fly these.
Dashashwamedh
The finale: a C-17 leads nine Suryakiran Hawks over the main stage, and then the team flies its aerobatics.
Help on the ground
- Medical: 100 ambulances, 8 temporary hospitals and 3 green corridors are planned. Sir Sunderlal Hospital, the BHU Trauma Centre, Shiv Prasad Gupta Divisional Hospital and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hospital are on standby.
- On the river: two water ambulances and local divers.
- Police: about 12,000 personnel and 79 temporary police posts, with 25 watchtowers, CCTV and a public address system along the ghats.
- Basics: drinking water and toilets at the parking areas and crowded spots.
Before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket or pass to watch the air show?
No public tickets have been announced. Namo Ghat's enclosures are for invited guests, and everyone else can watch free from the ghats between Rajghat and Assi, or from the Domri–Ramnagar bank.
What time does the display start?
Reports put the flying at around 12 noon to 2 pm, with about 90 minutes of flying. The Air Force has said it will confirm exact timings, so check its official accounts the evening before.
Which day is least crowded?
Thursday 22 and Saturday 24 October. The Air Force itself has suggested these days, because Sunday the 25th is the main day with VIP guests.
Can I take a boat ride on these days?
Private boats are not allowed on the river from 8 am to 5 pm during the air show. Plan boat rides for early morning before 8 am, after 5 pm, or on Friday the 23rd. Check locally, because rules can change at short notice.
Will Kashi Vishwanath darshan be affected?
Officials have been told to keep pilgrims to the temple and the ghats from being held up by security cordons. Still, expect slower roads around the old city, and go early in the morning.
Can I fly a drone to film the show?
No. Drones are banned within 5 km of the ghats on both banks, and unauthorised flights face legal action. Watch the official live stream for aerial views.
